The crew was last in contact with the air traffic services at Longyearbyen at 1506 hours local time. They were then instructed to contact Kapp Heer. The helicopter was soon after reported missing.

“The assumption is that the helicopter has crashed during the approach two kilometers north of Kapp Heer. A large-scale search and rescue operation is ongoing. The Accident Investigation Board Norway has initiated an investigation supported by the Russian Interstate Aviation Committee,” AIBN said.

AIBN on Tuesday morning said that the recovery vessel Maersk Forza was contracted and the vessel was en route to Hammerfest.

“Personell from the AIBN will board the vessel in Hammerfest and plan the recovery of the helicopter on the way to Svalbard,” AIBN said.

The Maersk Forza was built in 2008 under the name of REM Forza. It was later sold by REM Offshore to Maersk Supply Services. The 250 tons Hydramarine crane aboard supports the lifting operations for a range of tools, equipment and subsea assets.

According to DeepOcean, which manages the vessel, Maersk Forza spread has been main vessel for inspection, maintenance, installation and decommissioning projects in both The North Sea and West Africa.